Today marks a momentous occasion for the Fédération Internationale de Savate (FISav), the global governing body for savate and canne de combat, as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. Founded on 23 March 1985 as the Fédération Internationale de Boxe Française Savate, the federation was established by a group of visionary pioneers united by a shared mission: to promote and elevate one of the world’s most graceful martial arts.

A Rich and Proud History
Savate’s roots can be traced back to 19th-century France, where maritime kicking styles such as chausson, practised by sailors in Marseille, merged with the street-fighting techniques of Paris. These were eventually refined through the influence of English boxing. Pioneers like Charles Lecour and Joseph Charlemont laid the foundations—both technical and philosophical—for what would become Boxe-Française Savate, a sophisticated and modern combat sport.
In 1999, the federation adopted its current name, “Fédération Internationale de Savate”, to reflect an expanded mission encompassing not only modern competitive savate but also associated disciplines, including canne de combat.

Global Impact and Ongoing Development
As the international governing body, FISav remains committed to:
• Promoting and developing savate and canne de combat worldwide
• Standardising rules and regulations to ensure fair and dynamic competition
• Organising world and continental championships with participation from over 70 countries across five continents
• Enhancing education and training through coaching, refereeing, and technical development, in close cooperation with national federations
In 2025, two major events will headline the FISav calendar: the World Savate Combat Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, and the World Youth Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. These competitions serve as key milestones in our continued progress, as we strive for wider recognition on the international stage, including the pursuit of Olympic inclusion.

Celebrating 40 Years with SavatePlus
To commemorate this special anniversary, FISav hosted an innovative online competition, SavatePlus. This duo-format event welcomed participants from all age groups—children (7–11), teens (12–17), and adults (18+)—from member federations around the world. Athletes demonstrated their skills through a dynamic display of footwork, striking, defensive technique, and tactical combinations, reflecting the true artistry of savate Assaut.
From over 250 entries across 40 nations, performances were judged by an expert panel based on technique, diversity, control, and execution. The winners are:
• Senior Category: Marco Gerstmann & Rojdar Han (Austria)
• Youth Category: Nikola Rosic & Gavrilo Macanovic (Serbia)
• Children’s Category: Artan & Hosseine (Iran)
• Special Needs Category: Luca & Jason (Great Britain)
• Canne de Combat: Bilkis Calichiama vs. Nolan Macarty (Réunion, France)
Proceeds from the competition will support athletes and coaches at the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, underlining FISav’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, solidarity, and ethical development through sport.

Looking Ahead
FISav continues to collaborate with national federations to strengthen the global presence of savate and its related disciplines, including Savate Self-Defence (Défense dans la Rue) and Canne de Combat. Our strategic vision remains focused on growing the sport, enhancing its educational framework, and achieving broader recognition within the international sporting community.

FISav President Julie Gabriel shared her appreciation:
“I would like to thank the many stewards of savate—past and present—for their dedication and unity in advancing our martial art. As we mark 40 years of FISav, we reflect on our proud heritage and look forward to inspiring future generation. FISav is a proud member of SportAccord and actively contributes as part of the Alliance of Independent Recognised Members of Sport (AIMS). The federation remains steadfast in upholding the values of respect, discipline, and personal growth that have shaped savate for generations. This 40th anniversary is not only a celebration of a distinguished legacy, but also a bold step into the future—preserving tradition, fostering international unity, and championing the art and spirit of savate”.